Eulee's 3rd Birthday with A Cherry on Top

Can you believe our little one turned 3?!?

Since Eulee loves anything treat-related and since her birthday was so close to the first day of school, we figured we would combine our annual Back-to-School Ice Cream Tasting Party with her birthday celebration.

We had kept up the decorations from Elina's birthday (I know, back in July...but it's always someone's birthday over here!), so we changed the colorful lanterns into ice cream cones.  Then I made an ice cream garland out of yarn and styrofoam balls.  Turned out cute!  Then J printed out cute labels and signs...so it all came together nicely, if I may say so myself.

First we had the ice cream tasting part of the party.  This year I bought some really interesting flavors.  I use the term "interesting" because many of them were NOT good.  The whole point is to buy flavors you normally wouldn't spend the money on because you aren't QUITE sure if you can guarantee it will taste good.  Plus, nowadays there are so many different brands of ice cream out there, it's hard to really know what's good...especially at $7/pint at times!

Well, everyone worked diligently to write down their thoughts after trying each flavor.

So here were the verdicts based on 5 kids (ages 3-10) and 6 adults (ages old to older):

1. McConnell's Chocolate Almond Brittle: 3-4 stars, except for Elina who doesn't like nuts.
2. Siviero Maria Affogato all'amarena Gelato: This one was all over the place.  Some rated it 1-2 stars because it was a little too sweet.  Others, like me, enjoyed the light and fluffy texture!
3. Phin & Phebes Dark Chocolate Salty Caramel: This one was rated higher by the kids 3-4 stars, but the adults generally didn't like it.  It turns out this brand just has an icy consistency, which is such a bummer because it's a brand that all of us were interested in trying!  It was icy and too salty.  B famously dubbed it "Icy Poo" and RM said it should be called "Salty Salt Salt."  Such an eloquent group!
4. Phin & Phebes Ginger Cookie Snap: This one had the greatest reactions.  People were all yelling and spitting out their bites of ice cream.  It was quite the scene.  It earned 0-1 stars for the crazy strong ginger taste and the grainy, chalky texture.  Eulee's facial expression says it all.

Here were some memorable quotes,
"Ew! Chalk!" (Eli)
"Ginger Junk" (B)
"Sand and Sadness" (V)
"NOOOOOO!" (J)
"Teeth crumbs? or chalk!? Horrid." (Elina)
"Say What?! Uh-uh!" (RM)
"Someone should be fired!" (CM)
5. Siviero Maria Limone di Sicilia Gelato: 3-4 stars, except for RM and CM.  They both thought it was too sour.  RM said "Oh my-it hurts! Sour! Lime Splinters!"
6. Haagen Daz Artisan Tres Leches: 3+ stars, except for RM, who found it too sweet.  CM said it was a "solid performer...what ice cream tastes like."
7. Phin & Phebes Banana Whama: 1-3 stars.  A lot of people thought the banana taste was a little too potent.
8. Fiorello's Chocolate Hazelnut Gelato: 1-2 stars, except for RM and CM.   RM loved this flavor, but the rest of us didn't like the gluey consistency.
9. Phin & Phebes Coconut Key Lime: 1-2 stars.  This was not a favorite at all.
"This one has issues." (CM)
"Conflicting feelings." (J)
"NO. Never." (RM)
"Could not even put in my mouth." (AM)
"I thought pineapple could make anything better...I was wrong." (B)
10. Breyers Raspberry Cheesecake Gelato: 4-5 stars, except for RM.  She found it too sweet.  The rest of us liked how smooth and soft it was.  CM said it was a "good solid yum" and that it "would make a good breakfast ice cream."  Ha!

Even though RM and I are best of friends, I realized that our ice cream tastes are completely opposite from each other.  We also realized that Phin & Phebes is a brand that we will not be purchasing any time soon.  Such a letdown.

This year I was proud that the kids made it to the discussion portion of the party...AND they stayed with us until the discussion of the 8th flavor!  They have never lasted this long before!  Usually after the tastings, they all run off on their merry way.  I bet next year they will listen and chat til the very end.  =)  Even Eulee had a few "key" points to add when we all took turns talking about the flavors.  She basically just tells stories about things that have happened...I like that she says "and I say hi to my friend" and then she added the word "puppy" since J and V brought their new adorable puppy over to our house.

After this, the kids hosted a birthday party for Eulee in the bonus room.  There was dancing, refreshments, a gift table.  Very professional!

Then we did cake which was a cannoli cake that I tried for the first time.  It was yummy!

Then Eulee opened some gifts--roller skates and Frozen and Paw Patrol stuff!

Then we ended with an ice cream sundae bar.  Delicious!  Lots of yummy toppings the kids love...it was heaven!

On her real birthday (the first day of school for Elina and Eli), she had orange birthday pancakes...

we took a trip to the Doseum, one of her favorite spots...

we went to the Six Flags water park after picking up the older ones from school...then we ended with a little ice cream cake.  Phew!  This girl got lots of Paw Patrol, Frozen, and Pajanimals things this year....all her favorite things!

We definitely tried to fit everything into this little girl's 3rd birthday!  How fun!